NEW BRITAIN STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL, PHONES PUT AWAY, READY TO FOCUS

Students step off the school bus and head into Pulaski Middle School on the first day of the 2025–2026 academic year. Photo: Boceto Media.

Para leer en Español, clic aquí

Excitement filled the air Monday morning as students returned to Pulaski Middle School for the first day of classes, with school supplies in hand and phones locked away.

School leaders kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year with a revamped schedule and a clear strategy to eliminate distractions, continuing the use of Yondr pouches, which keep cellphones locked for the entire school day. The initiative, first launched earlier this year, is now fully in effect for all 850 students.

“We’re really excited,” said Assistant Principal Joseph Fortier. “We restructured the schedule to give students more academic time, and by reducing distractions, we’re starting the year strong.”

Fortier said the Yondr pouches have already had a positive impact, discipline referrals are down, and classroom participation is up. Over the summer, the school purchased additional pouches to replace damaged ones and ensure every student has one.

Still, not all parents are convinced.

Kayla Arroyo, a Pulaski Middle School parent, said she feels conflicted about the phone-locking policy.

“On one hand, yes, because they’re more focused and paying attention. But on the other hand, if there’s an emergency, having a phone is very necessary,” she said.

Fortier acknowledged that some families were hesitant at first, but said most came around once they understood the reasoning behind the policy.

“Once we explained it’s about helping their children stay focused and succeed academically, they supported us,” he said.

Jason Gibson, the school’s family liaison, said he’s already seeing a difference in how students interact with one another.

“There’s more face-to-face communication, more focus,” Gibson said. “They’re not glued to screens anymore. They’re going back to being kids, learning, talking, connecting.”

Gibson works closely with families facing attendance or engagement challenges, and described the first day as an emotional one.

“There was joy, nervousness, even a few tears,” he said. “But we’re here to make sure every student and family feels welcomed and supported.”

While immigration remains a concern for many families in Connecticut, Fortier said he hasn’t witnessed direct fear from his school community this year. Still, the district remains proactive.

“Our superintendent has made it clear: every student belongs here, and our schools are safe spaces,” Fortier said.

According State's EdSight website, Pulaski Middle School in New Britain serves about 839 students in grades six through eight. A large percentage of the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the city’s diverse population. The school employs approximately 76.5 full-time certified teachers who focus on supporting all students, with particular attention to the needs of Hispanic learners to promote equitable educational opportunities.

Barbara Marino, president of the New Britain Board of Education, said she’s confident the phone-free initiative and other academic strategies will pay off.

“Anything that helps students stay focused on academics is a win,” she said. “We want them learning, not distracted by TikTok or social media. We’re expecting great things this year.”



With phones tucked away and minds tuned in, Pulaski Middle School is stepping into the new year with clarity and purpose.